The comprehensive mechanism that revolves around the analysis, evaluation and synthesis of final conclusion based on given information is termed critical thinking. It is solely a cognitive method that takes place in a systematic and expressive manner. It is not simply entitled to reject or accept any information regarding the undergoing situation but needs deep thinking that understands, validates and accesses the final conclusion. Thompson (2021) concluded that critical thinking is primarily an ability that “engages in purposeful, self-regulatory, reflective judgment.” In this context, critical thinking needs multi-dimensional questions, examining available evidence, and pondering about possible alternatives. The critical thinkers, in this method, must undergo deductive and inductive reasoning, build relations among ideas, and apply critical skills to reach solutions. In fact, they actually challenge their own beliefs, customs, values and biases to search for new insights and new proofs.
However, several skill sets are mandatory for effective and purposeful critical thinking. The most significant is the ability to break down complex problematic arguments into smaller components and examine these on the unit level. In this way, evaluation of key points, identification of specific patterns, and understanding of all types of relationships become easier. In addition, Lamont (2020) reported that the main requirements of critical thinking may involve the recognition of logical patterns and specific biases to interpret the argument. So, logical fallacies like “ad hominem attacks or strawman arguments” should be recognized easily. Similarly, another skill set needed for critical thinking is evaluation. Critical thinkers need to have a keen eye on details, be able to see beneath the surface, separate facts and opinions, and question the conventions.
In addition, effective communication skills are essential to proceed respectful dialogue and effective presentation of findings. Further, strong creative thinking is needed to generate more ideas, and to explore potential solutions. Moreover, critical thinking can be enhanced by exposure to diversified information sources (Ku et al., 2019). Such exposure encourages reflective thinking which ultimately provokes solution-oriented activities in alliance with reducing errors.
Hence, critical thinking is a cognitive mental process that provokes multi-dimensional aspects of available information. Various skills help to execute this process and it can be improved over time as well.
References
Ku, K. Y. L., Kong, Q., Song, Y., Deng, L., Kang, Y., & Hu, A. (2019). What predicts adolescents’ critical thinking about real-life news? The roles of social media news consumption and news media literacy. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 33. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2019.05.004
Lamont, P. (2020). The construction of “critical thinking”: Between how we think and what we believe. History of Psychology, 23(3), 232–251. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1037/hop0000145
Thompson, S. (2021). Brain-Based Learning. Salem Press Encyclopedia.
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